Because failure is the best coach. We interview runners about their DNFs and DFLs, the races that blew up, fell apart, or just plain sucked. Together, we dig into what went wrong and pull out real lessons you can use so your next race goes right.
Let's talk habanero Hundred and how to run in the heat!
Lisa talks about surthriving the heat at the Habanero Hundred. The crew shares tips and tricks for making it through hot-weather races, along with the dangers of racing in extreme heat unprepared.
7 Aug 2026
Paige Mack's Cruel Jewel Experience
Join us as Paige Mack recounts her journey through the Cruel Jewel 50‑mile race. We explore the world of multi‑day adventure racing and offer tips for finding fulfillment in volunteering at events you don’t plan to race yourself.
24 Jul 2026
Lisa's Vol State Recap
Lisa shares her experience traveling 314 miles across Tennessee.
24 Jul 2026
Vol State Pre Race Thoughts
Lisa hops on before Vol State to share her goals for this year’s race and reflections from last year’s journey.
12 Jun 2026
Before and After War Eagle Trail Run
The girls talk to Justin before he heads out to run the War Eagle 50 K. Once the race was completed, everyone comes back together to discuss how the race went. This podcast covers both the before and after of the race.
26 Apr 2026
The Heat Is On: Lessons from the Keys 100
Pam Lockhart joins the crew to break down her experience at the Keys 100. We dive into what went right, what didn’t, and what adjustments she’s planning to make to secure a finish next year. She also shares how she got her start in ultrarunning at age 50 and highlights some of her favorite races along the way.
3 Apr 2026
Two Minutes to Spare: Finishing the Grasslands 100-Mile Trail Run Just Before the Cutoff
Marissa shares her DFL finish at the Grasslands 100, crossing the line just two minutes before the cutoff, and how Running Familia kept her going. The crew also digs into cutoffs, Panther City Ultra, and the mysterious sweater and the “poop pack.”
27 Mar 2026
From Firehouse to Finish Lines Angie Retzloff
On this episode of Fails on the Trails, Angie Retzloff joins us to share her path to becoming the first female firefighter in Tahlequah, how she rebuilt her identity after stepping away from CrossFit, and her full-send leap into ultrarunning, including processing her heartbreaking DNF at the Outlaw 135. The crew also dives into the surprisingly chaotic art of fueling with baby food and oatmeal crème pies.
20 Mar 2026
Racing with Empathy, Humility & the Power of Your Story
Dr. Sheila Nevarez joins the DNFsperts to talk about all things endurance, sobriety, how to be kind to others, and the importance of being kind to yourself. We talk about the dangers and current culture of the Ironman community, and she tells us how one ass ruined a race while another ass changed her life. Get a pen ready to write down all the lessons learned on this episode of Fails on the Trails.
13 Mar 2026
The Long Road to the Hitchcock Buckle
Meghan Wallace joins the DNFsperts to talk about her relentless pursuit of finishing the Hitchcock Experience 100-mile race. She also tempts us with tales of the beautiful Shawnee Hills 100 Miler and why it should be on every runner’s radar. The crew dives into racing in extreme cold and extreme heat, and yes… boob ice is absolutely a thing. So many lessons were learned on this episode of Fails on the Trails.
7 Mar 2026
Two Races. Two States. Two-Mile Loops. Same Party Vibes. Jackalope Jam and Lake Vian Hilltop Run
On today’s show, Lisa takes us back to her 138-mile ruck at the Jackalope Jam 100 Hour Race. She talks about surviving the “Cone of Death,” the infamous thirst trap photo, and what it felt like tackling that challenge just 10 days after finishing the Rocky Raccoon 100 Miler.Then Justin shares his DFL experience from last weekend’s Lake Vian Hilltop Run. He dives into mashed burgtatos, singing early 2000s bangers on the trail, and just how difficult it really is to walk 100 miles.Finally, Nicole talks about her upcoming race this weekend, and with Lisa’s help, the two of them come up with a plan to find love out on the trails.
20 Feb 2026
The running adventures of Halbert Walston
On this episode of Fails on the Trails, we sit down with Halbert Walston to talk about how he first got into running and how that journey quickly snowballed into life as a serial marathoner. Not one to stop at 26.2, Halbert has also taken on numerous ultramarathons along the way. With that many miles under his belt, the stories come easily as we dig into the setbacks, the friendships, and the lessons learned.
6 Feb 2026
Uprooted at Rocky: How a Badass Comes Back from Adversity
On this episode of Fails on the Trails, Jenny Arzen joins the crew to unpack her 100-mile DNFs, from pushing through sixteen miles on a broken ankle to battling the flu at the worst possible time. What follows are stories of redemption, hallucinations, and relentless perseverance. Along the way, Jenny reflects on what she learned from each setback and shares the song that gets her through the darkest moments of a race.
4 Feb 2026
DNF's From Boston to Brazos Bend
On this episode of Fails on the Trails, co-host Nicole walks us through her five DNFs, including the Boston Marathon, her very first trail run, and Brazos Bend. She shares what it was like making the jump from road running to trails, and the surprises that came with it. We also talk about how to process a DNF internally, and why sometimes the best move is letting it go and focusing on the next race.
26 Jan 2026
Eight Arms of Agony and the Feet
In this episode of Fails on the Trails, Justin shares his DFL experience at the Vero Beach Octopus Ultra. This unique adventure race sends runners out on eight different “arms” across the city of Vero Beach, challenging them to navigate sand, mangrove swamps, a boat ride to an island, and, most dreaded of all, long stretches of pavement. Join Justin as he breaks down everything that unfolded over the 32 hours and 20 minutes it took him to reach the finish line at the Vero Beach Octopus Ultra.
24 Jan 2026
Hunger and Hallucinations at Cactus Rose
We’re kicking things off by getting to know Lisa Decker and diving into the wild story of her DNF at the Cactus Rose 100. It was a true bare-bones race, aid stations with water only, no extras unless you packed them in your own drop bags, and long miles of heat, darkness, and total solitude. Lisa shares stories of sleep-deprivation hallucinations, questionable ultra math, the struggle of racing without warm food, and the moment everything finally started to unravel. It’s honest, fun, and packed with lessons every trail runner learns the hard way.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
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